Overview

South University Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program

South University offers undergraduate, post-graduate, and doctoral degree programs at 15 campuses throughout the eastern United States and online. The main campus is in Savannah, Georgia.
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree program at South University is offered on the West Palm Beach, Florida campus, situated in the city of Royal Palm Beach near Lake Worth, about 75 miles from Miami.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program overview

The recently established Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program at South University is designed to empower the advanced clinical-scholar. The faculty comprises practicing clinician-scholars who bring their practical experience, analytical expertise, and professional leadership to teach and mentor students in the OTD degree program.
With emphasis on advanced leadership, advanced pedagogy, and advanced clinical knowledge, the OTD degree program prepares practitioners to intuitively identify and leverage evidence-based therapeutic approaches that enhance the everyday activities of people in the communities where they work, live, and play.
Graduates of the OTD degree program at South University emerge thoroughly equipped to practice occupational therapy methodologies that support the rapidly changing healthcare landscape, with emphasis on such issues as managed care, third-party reimbursement, and access to specialty care. They are prepared to critically analyze, interpret, synthesize, and apply data to specific areas of occupational therapy clinical practice at the highest level of dedication across the spectrum of care; advocate for the rights of clients, communities, and entire populations to effective care; and develop and secure programs and policies at all levels of government.

OTD degree program curriculum has two tracks

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program curriculum offers two tracks, both leading to a clinical doctoral degree in occupational therapy. Track A comprises 58 quarter hours of core and elective courses and accommodates applicants who already have their master's degrees in occupational therapy. Applicants with bachelor's degrees in occupational therapy and related master's degrees in health sciences, health service administration, clinical social work, nursing, public health, or business with an emphasis on healthcare matriculate through Track A.
Applicants with a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy matriculate through Track B, which comprises 74 quarter hours of core and elective courses. Prerequisite competency courses also may be required of students in Track B.
Core courses required in both tracks include "Healthcare Management and Program Development;" "Introduction to Neuro-Occupations;" "Research Methodologies and Inquiry;" "Multi-Disciplinary Integration of Occupation and Clinical Intervention;" and "Historical Perspectives in Occupational Therapy."
Electives include "Emerging Issues in Advanced Geriatric Practice;" "Current Topics in Pediatric Intervention and Practice;" "Exploration of Leadership in Occupational Therapy;" "The American Professorate: A Faculty Perspective;" and "Current Topics in Adult Rehabilitative Intervention."

Capstone Project and On Campus Intensive

Students in both OTD tracks take part in a Capstone Project, an advanced, hands-on research assignment that leverages their experiences within the curriculum. Students also participate in the On Campus Intensive (OCI), an experiential learning opportunity to meet and collaborate, critically analyze, and debate course material presented by their classmates and faculty-mentors. This interconnected platform allows OTD students to focus on projects geared toward a service-industry need, specific product, an assessment tool, or a detailed document that may address critical issues in the field.

Financial assistance

Students in the South University OTD degree program may be eligible for financial assistance through a variety of loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. See https://www.southuniversity.edu/programs-info for program duration; tuition, fees, and other costs; median debt; federal salary data; alumni success; and other important information.
Programs, credential levels, technology and scheduling options vary by campus and are subject to change. Administrative office: South University, 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805 ?®2014 South University. Our email address is csprogramadmin@edmc.edu.